New Earswick All Blacks ARLC have received support in their set-to with the New Zealand Rugby Union from London-based online rugby league retailer www.forty-twenty.co.uk.

As revealed in Saturday's Evening Press, the amateur York club were sent an email from a member of the NZRU legal team regarding the nickname All Blacks, and they now fear the former RU World Cup winners could become heavy-handed over a possible trade name.

New Earswick are currently arranging a mutually convenient time to "discuss the options" with the NZRU, but in the meantime, the web-based company - sponsors of the White Rose Avenue club - have in a show of support donated 25 Optimum match-balls featuring the New Earswick All Blacks club logo.

Forty-twenty owner Giovanni Cinque said: "After our launch, New Earswick were the first club that we sponsored and in the last two years the relationship has gone from strength to strength.

"We are delighted to be able to show our support for the true All Blacks in their current 'difficulties' with the NZRU by providing them with a batch of personalised match-balls and we hope all true supporters of the greatest game get behind the club in their battle to keep hold of their name."

Meanwhile, the New Earswick team, holders of the York and District Cup and York Accident Cup, travel to Selby Warriors on Saturday to vie for a place in this year's York and District Cup final. Kick off at Sandhill Lane is 2.30pm.

York Acorn 'A' await the winners in the final after they overcame York Groves last week. The final has been pencilled in for Bank Holiday Monday, May 3, at Heworth's Elm Park Way ground.

Updated: 11:06 Thursday, April 22, 2004